In January, my running miles ended up higher than they have been in a long time. I guess two half marathons in one month helps with that. I was consistent all month with my weekly cross training; really enjoying my indoor cycling on the mag trainer while pedaling to 70's funk. My strength sessions were consistent as well. However, I still only run three times a week.

This was a typical training week for me. It was pretty
stressful at work coupled with a week of poor sleep, however. Which...who
am I kidding...is really is nothing out of the ordinary. Although it was very cold, I was rewarded with a pretty sunrise on Tuesday morning's usual progressive run [10:13, 10:11, 9:53, 9:46, 9:05].

Another progressive four happened Thursday morning [10:01, 9:47, 9:35, 9:15]. These weekday runs I feel I could do in my sleep. For curious minds, I don't eat anything. I drink a few sips of water before heading out and I take nothing with me. I do not stop unless a rare traffic issue forces me to -- like someone backing out of a driveway. In winter's cooler temps, I am comfortable with this routine for up to 6 or 7 miles. Anything longer and I'll eat a few bites of yogurt and stash a water bottle on my route. Summer is drastically different. But, I'll save that for another post.

This side-tie, thumb-hole athletic top was in my latest Stitch Fix box. I like!

I'll be running the Mercedes Half Marathon next weekend with my ho-cost Wendy so I took one last opportunity to run a few hills on Saturday. After one warm-up mile, I concentrated on running 7 hilly miles at a steady pace (averaging 9:40). I've talked often about living in a hilly neighborhood and having the ability to run extra hills whenever I need. Here is what that looks like.

Since I've been busy building my running base for the last few months, I opted not to taper for my last two half marathons. This time, I have decided to taper and rest in hopes that the Mercedes hills don't have me begging for mercy.

I need food. Must have food. But then I rarely run first thing in the morning, thank goodness.

Major sleep deprivation last week too, probably contributed to whatever crud I have a the moment. This week was much better but I guess the damage was done. It's been a long time since I had to skip a "long" run (using that term loosely here).

How fun that you and Wendy are running a race together! I can't wait to hear all about that. I love your stitch fix top. They nailed that!Being a Pittsburgher, I don't have to go looking for hills. They will find you...on just about any route here!

I just ordered a thumb hole top from Old Navy - I'm excited to get it.

Eating before a run depends on the timing of my run. If it's early and a shorter run then no I can wait. But anything longer than 3 miles or so I need fuel. I love Eggo waffles with peanut butter before a race. But I'm not normally an early runner so I do end up having food before hand.

I know what you mean about summer changing all of the rules - especially with hydration.

I just love thumb holes. Isn't that silly? Summer is completely different. I can barely make it 2 miles without hydration. And, I feel really nauseous if I don't eat something before any run -- regardless of length.

I don't have any hills on my trails so I have to run up on the bridge in town! I have a hill in my neighborhood but it's noting I would run on a regular basis because it's on a cul de sac! That would get boring..haha

It's crazy, I can run on an empty stomach in the winter, too, but as soon as it's warm out, the heat and humidity just zap my energy. The difference in how I feel from cold to warm is huge. I'm definitely enjoying the fact that we're actually getting a real winter this year.

I don't eat before my runs that are six miles or shorter, but I do drink at least 16 ounces of water every single morning as soon as I wake up whether I'm running or not. It's what gets me awake and going - going in more ways than one if you get my drift. ;-)

Wow - your hills are so symmetrical. It's not the same ones, because they are slightly different, right? I have one hill on my route that is man-made to go over railroad tracks, unless I jump in the car to drive over to the park. You're going to be ready for those Mercedes hills! I'll be curious to see how your race goes!

Great mileage for January! I am lucky to live in an area where I can easily run flat or lots of hills. I usually eat before I run, because I am usually awake a few hours before I run. Good luck on your half!

I think I'm going to start doing all my cardio fasted. I did it for awhile, and there are weight loss benefits (which I need) but also I feel like when I DO eat before a race, it will be an even better run with the extra fueling.

Good luck with the half and the hills! I have heard really good things about the Mercedes half, had a few friends run it a couple years ago.

I only eat before a long run and even then it's usually just a banana. However, during marathon training I did start eating a bowl of oatmeal with fruit before runs longer than 13 miles and on race day ...I'd like to think that helped. But who knows.

I've always heard the Mercedes course is pretty hilly but I wouldn't thin it would be any worse than the Callaway Gardens race, do you?

I absolutely agree with fueling for long runs and races. I made the mistake of not eating enough before First Light and paid the price. No, Mercedes is not as bad as Callaway. I don't remember the hills being as steep, just never ending. LOL.

I've been running in the afternoons recently - but when I run in the morning I rarely eat first. I need at least half an hour for food to settle, even if it's just a snack, otherwise I'll get side stitches.

I simply don't have time to eat and digest on my early morning before work runs. But, the one thing I found I can eat and run right away is yogurt. So, if I'm going a longer distance I'll eat a few spoonfuls.

That side tie top is really cute! I live in a hilly neighborhood too so it's nice to know I can always get hill training in :) And I don't eat in the morning before short runs. It helps save time to fit things in before having to go to work!

I always eat before I run. Had one bad experience and I'm afraid to try it again. I used to do hill repeats a lot in Ohio, but if I run on trails here it's almost an automatic hill workout because the climbs are so high in the first mile. Definitely need to get out on the hills soon because I have a few hilly races in April. Have a great race this weekend!

Great job on those progressive runs and I look forward to hearing how your next half goes with Wendy! I live in a hilly neighborhood and I try to tell myself that running through them is helping me get stronger!

We really don't have hills around here, so we either have to train on the treadmill or go to one of our intercostal bridges to get the elevation. I've been lazy about it because my run group leaves from my house, vs having to drive 30 minutes to get to the nearest bridge.

I usually don't eat before a run. I wake up, get dressed, and roll out the door. In a race situation, I will eat because I'm awake for a good while before I end up running.

I really like that Stitch Fix top! My last two boxes have not been that great! I need to request that top for my next one. I have a hard time waking up and running. I really admire you for doing that. I guess I have just never stuck with it long enough to let my body adjust. I just do so much better in the afternoons, but I would love to be able to get up and get it out of the way for the day.

I’m feeling some hill envy coming on! We have ZERO hills here... besides a teeny sledding hill, my hill repeats happen on the good ole ‘mill. Living in a hilly neighborhood would have its ups and downs. Literally. Haha 😂🤪🤣 I know my kids would struggle on their little bicycles in the summer!

Sounds like a good week! We have no hills here in Davis. The only thing we can train on are overpasses. Sad but it's all we've got so I'm a bit jealous of your hills. Have fun at the Mercedes half with Wendy!

I have a good feeling you will be just fine on those hills! I do all early runs fasted as well, but I have not been able to make it without hydration often...I tried for two runs last week and I miss my Nuun. I get stopped with the driveway issue often lol I change my routes all the time so I am surprised I manage to show up just when someone is backing out lol I do love that top!Have fun this weekend :)

My plan is to conserve energy for the hills as they occur later in the race. I didn't do very well the last time at Callaway. In the summertime, I can barely go a mile without liquid. It's so different!